Eremites, Gr., Chr. Hermits.
Ergastulum, R. (ἐργάζομαι, to work). A private prison attached to a farm or villa rustica, in which insubordinate and ill-conducted slaves were kept in chains; they were under the superintendence of a gaoler, who was himself a slave, and who was called Ergastularius. Ergastula were built underground, and thus formed subterranean dungeons.
Ergata, Gr. and R. (ἐργάτης, i. e. worker). A strong capstan used for moving heavy weights; among other things, for hauling vessels on shore.
Ericius, R. (lit. hedgehog). A military engine, a cheval-de-frise or long beam studded with iron spikes, whence its name. It was placed across a door or other opening to which it was desired to bar ingress.
Fig. 295. The Ermine. Arms of Anne of Brittany.
Ermine, Ermines, Erminois, Her. The animal, the ermine, sometimes appears in blazon, and an ermine spot is borne as a charge. Generally the ermine is an emblem of royalty, purity, and honour. The illustration (Fig. [295]) is of the arms of Anne of Bretagne, the Queen of Charles VIII.
Erotidia, Gr. (ἐρωτίδια). Festivals held every fifth year at Thespiæ in Bœotia, in honour of Eros, the principal divinity of the Thespians.
Erpa, Egyp. A title in use among the Egyptians implying authority generally; the crown prince was so designated, and the high priest was, in the same manner, called erpa of the priests.
